Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Flavor

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, orange-hued Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Flavor, topped with seasoned chicken pieces.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Follow this recipe to make a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken and a strong garlic cream sauce with Cajun spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  6. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • To prevent the sauce from separating, keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese. Do not boil the sauce once the cream is added.
  • For a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
  • If you do not have heavy cream, you can substitute it with evaporated milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-with-garlic-flavor/